Sesamoiditis – Causes & Treatment

Are you experiencing a dull pain that comes and goes in the ball of your foot? Read on, you may have sesamoiditis.

What is sesamoiditis?

Most bones in your body are connected to one another at joints. The sesamoid bones are not. They are either attached to tendons or are found deep in muscles. Your kneecap is the largest sesamoid and two others are found in the ball of your foot near your big toe. These two tiny bones are the size of corn kernels but when they get irritated, the pain can be intense.

The two small sesamoids in your foot actually help support the weight of your body. They also give surrounding tendons a smooth surface to glide over which helps your muscles when walking or running. Sesamoiditis develops when these bones become irritated, inflamed or even broken. With sesamoiditis, you may feel a consistent dull pain below your big toe joint. It is common for the pain to come and go, as you are involved in activity.

You can develop sesamoiditis from overuse. Sports or activities that put a lot of repetitive stress on the ball of your foot, such as running, football, dance or golf can irritate the sesamoid bones. Ladies, wearing high heels on a regular basis can cause sesamoiditis as well.

What can be done to help sesamoiditis?

Drs. Joel Brook and David Northcutt, foot specialists in Dallas and Plano, TX see this condition regularly. Treatment may involve taping, anti-inflammatory medicine, rest and ice, change of footwear, immobilization, orthotics or physical therapy. They can assess the severity of the problem and provide treatment tailored just for you. If the symptoms explained here describe what you’re feeling, call our podiatric office today for help at (972) 566-7474 in Dallas or (972) 943-3323 in Plano.